Karlie Carol White was crowned queen of the 76th East Texas Yamboree and officially elevated to the unique title at the climax of the Queen’s Coronation-Pageant, held Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Gilmer Civic Center.

The 2013 president, Ray Glen Culberson, did the honors as her royal courtiers looked on from the stage and large audiences enjoyed the spectacle.

The Beauty of Fabergé was the pageant theme. After the queen ascended the steps to stand with her Ladies-in-Waiting, she was serenaded by David Ham, who sang Somewhere in Time.

Queen Karlie was resplendent in a gown of deep, sparkling silver. An elaborate, dimensional, floral overlay accented this lovely gown and flowing train. Subtle highlights of palest turquoise appeared among the floral details.

The queen’s escort was Christopher Douglas Bloyd.

Bearer of the royal scepter was Princess Carolann Sinclair Bowles, who presented the scepter to the queen as she was introduced and promenaded around the stage. She wore a gown matching the queen’s gown.

In his accustomed place as on-stage narrator, Stephen Edward Dean drew attention to the brief essay, The Beauty of Fabergé, written by Melinda Smith:

“The egg, perfect in form and carrying within it a new life, has been a universal symbol of rebirth for thousands of years. In Imperial Russia whimsically decorated eggs were exchanged every year to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Romanov Tsar Nicholas II and his Empress Alexandra raised this charming custom to imperial luxury.

“Peter Carl Fabergé, a jeweler extraordinaire, was given carte blanche in design and production with Tsar Nicholas II only requesting that each glittering bauble would contain a magnificent surprise . . .”

Dean introduced the 75th Yamboree Queen, Mary Paige Linder, who was wearing her coronation gown. She was escorted by Immediate Past President Richard Wayne Holloway.

She was serenaded by David Ham, who sang The Way You Look Tonight.

Visiting duchesses for the evening promenaded on stage at the opening of the pageant.

Rock Crystal Egg was represented by Lady Katelynn Danielle Meadows, duchess of the Kiwanis Club. Adorned in a gown created by Lana Bowers, she was escorted by Garrett Colton Parish.

Lady Katelynn graced a sparkling gown of turquoise blue, featuring a richly embellished, scalloped hem. An inset back bustle of deeper blue, accented the back of the gown. Rhinestone straps crossed at the back of the bodice.

Basket of the Wildflowers Egg was represented by Lady Shaylee Brooke Fennell, duchess of Beta Sigma Phi, who was escorted by Dylan Dean Adkinson.

Lady Shaylee dazzled in a lovely gown of apricot, sprinkled with crystal embellishments. Her gown was accented with deep, crystal covered scallops around the hem. The rich accents continued, flowing up the gown back to the waist. The gown was created by Paula Davidson.

Lady Iesha Tatyana Fluellen, duchess of the Iris Garden Club, represented The Colonade Egg. Wearing a gown created by Lula Johnson, Miss Fluellen was escorted by MaLique Fluellen. Lady Iesha’s gown of deepest burgundy, was adorned with a sheer white floral overlay over the bodice and down the back. Sparkling, firework inspired clusters accented the skirt.

The Anniversary Egg was the theme of Lady Macy Alexandra Elms’ court. Lady Macy represented the Rotary Club, and was escorted by Thomas Blake Rice.

Lady Macy donned a gown of regal, royal blue, heavily embellished with sparkling crystals. The back and front of the gown were accented with insets featuring waterfalls of crystal. Delicate scallops graced the hem of the gown. The gown was created by Paula Davidson.

Visiting duchesses Brooks Rae Hill, duchess of Trinity School, portraying Holy Coronation; Michaela Renee Ellis, duchess of Gladewater Chamber of Commerce, Alexander III Bridge; and Hannah Marie Pope, duchess of New Diana High School, Peter the Great were presented before Court Dancers danced to You Raise Me Up. Dancers were dressed in Grecian inspired dresses of white chiffon with a sequined band on the bodice.

The Tsarevich Egg was represented by Lady Emily Ann Buettner, duchess of the Lions Club. Lady Emily was escorted by John Tanner Barr.

Her gown, created by Lana Bowers, was of shimmering red satin, encrusted with sequins, with a band of rhinestones at the waistline. The back of the skirt featured an inset panel of exquisite red rosettes that extended from the waistline, flowing to the floor.

Mosaic Egg was represented by Princess Melani Kay Williams, duchess of the Bluebonnet Club. Lady Melani was escorted by John Edward Dean II.

Princess Melani appeared in an elegant gown of sparkling fuchsia, created by Kay Arrington. Floral ornamentation accented the skirt. The hem of the full skirt was embellished with graceful scallops accented with sequins.